Getting to Limerick

Limerick’s central location makes it easily reachable by a variety of means. The most convenient access is by air via Shannon Airport, located about 30 minutes west of the city. Limerick is also well-connected by train and bus, with frequent arrivals every day of the week from all the main Irish towns. If you are driving, the city lies along the path of many major Irish motorways.

By car

Limerick is conveniently situated at the crossroads of several of Ireland’s main highways. From Dublin, the N7 runs straight into the city in under 3 hours. The N20 motorway connects the city with Cork to the south in about 1 hour, 30 minutes, and driving from Galway involves taking the N6 motorway to the N66 and then the smaller N19, which will lead you into Limerick.

By rail

There are regular train services from every main town in the country to Limerick. Irish Rail operates direct trains from Dublin, Cork and Killarney, and all other towns can be accessed from these hubs.

Eight trains run daily from Dublin; two from Rosslare Harbour, Tipperary and Cahir; and one each day from Cork. All trains arrive at Limerick’s Colbert Station, which is centrally located and also serves as the city’s main bus terminal. A high-speed commuter rail line is being planned between Dublin and Limerick, which will run hourly services between the two cities. The new rail line is scheduled to open by the end of 2007. For more information on train schedules and fares, contact Colbert Station (tel: +353 61 315555).

By bus

Bus Eireann provides all the bus services between Limerick and the other cities in Ireland. There are regular connections with Dublin (1 hour, 15 minutes), Tralee (2 hours), Cork (1 hour, 50 minutes) and most of the other main towns in the region. Bus Eireann also operates the bus service between Shannon Airport and the city centre.

All buses arrive at Limerick’s central bus terminal, Colbert Station, which is also the city’s train terminal. From Colbert Station, it’s a short walk to the city centre. There are tourist information and currency exchange kiosks at the Bus Eireann information desk. For more information about bus schedules and fares, contact Bus Eireann (tel: +353 61 313333). 

By air

Access to Limerick by air is handled by Shannon Airport, the regional air hub, located about 30 minutes by car from the city centre. Several major airlines provide regular services from the UK and many cities in Europe. Flights between North America and Limerick are limited due to a tight air travel restriction between the two countries. From the airport, there is a convenient bus shuttle service to Limerick.

Shannon International Airport

Shannon International Airport is 30 minutes west of the city centre by car and offers the quickest and most convenient way to get to this popular Irish destination. This modern and efficient airport has a single terminal, which handles all of its domestic and international flights. 

Air travel from the rest of the UK is mainly handled by Aer Lingus, Ryanair and British Airways, which operate frequent flights from all the main cities. From the United States, Delta, Continental, American and Aer Lingus operate regularly scheduled flights, while flights from Canada are limited to Toronto via Air Canada.

Due to the Air Services Agreement between the US and Ireland, service into Shannon Airport is limited to just a few cities in the US. Flights from Europe are handled by a range of major airlines, with Ryanair and British Airways leading the way.

The airport’s terminal has all the usual facilities which travellers might need. ATMs, four currency exchange offices and a branch of the Bank of Ireland can be found in the main terminal area as well as restaurants, a news-stand, gift shop and duty-free shopping. An airport information desk, open daily from 06:00 to midnight, is located in the Arrivals Hall to assist with any questions you might have (tel: +353 61 712000).

Shannon International Airport transportation

Limerick’s city centre can be easily reached by taking the bus provided by Bus Eireann. These airport buses depart frequently from outside the terminal, taking passengers to Colbert Station in about 30 minutes. The Bus Eireann desk is located in the Arrivals Hall, and is open from 08:00 until 16:00 (tel: +353 61 313333).

Taxis are also available 24 hours from the taxi desk located outside the Arrivals Hall. For something a bit more personal, you can hire a VIP chauffeur limousine to take you to your lodging in Limerick (tel: +353 86 8175500). There is no train service from Shannon Airport. If you rent a car, simply follow the N19 from the terminal to the N18 leading into Limerick, which is well-signed and easy to navigate.